Maree faces $1,209 fine for a minor driving rule violation

In Queensland, Australia, a 70-year-old grandmother, Maree Bauer, found herself in a challenging financial situation following a hefty fine received for allegedly using her mobile phone while driving. This incident occurred in November along the Capricorn Highway in Emerald, west of Rockhampton. The fine amounted to a staggering $1,209, which is significantly higher than fines in other Australian states, where the penalties are notably lower. This fine represented more than two weeks’ worth of Ms. Bauer's pension, which is approximately $557 per week, prompting her to reconsider her Christmas spending plans. The incident leading to the fine was captured by a mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera, showing Maree’s thumb resting on her phone, which was located atop her handbag. The Queensland legislation prohibits any part of a driver’s body from resting on their phone while driving, a rule that has garnered criticism for its strictness and high monetary penalties. Despite claiming she was only ensuring her phone did not shift while navigating via Google Maps, the ruling authorities maintained that the evidence pointed to illegal phone use. After receiving the fine, Maree expressed her frustration, arguing that the punishment felt excessive and did not reflect her intentions. She stated how she only utilizes Bluetooth in her vehicle and viewed the situation as unjust. The significant fine affected her holiday budget, forcing her to monitor her finances closely and even consider using spare change to afford Christmas presents. This case highlights the growing trend of severe penalties for mobile phone use while driving within Australia, especially in Queensland where fines are among the highest in the country. As a means to reinforce road safety, Queensland's government employs advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to detect possible violations captured by traffic cameras. Queensland Revenue Office officials explained that such camera images undergo a review process to ascertain if the driver was indeed violating the law, which further emphasizes the strict adherence to safety regulations in the region. As road safety remains a pressing concern across Australia, the laws in Queensland can serve as a polarizing topic, igniting debate on their fairness and efficacy in deterring unsafe driving behaviors.